The 18th century was a transformative period for literature, especially for the novel. As a new form of storytelling, the novel began to evolve, reflecting the complexities of society, individual experience, and emerging literary techniques. Teaching this evolution can provide students with insights into historical context, character development, and narrative structure. Here are three diverse, practical examples to effectively teach the evolution of the novel during this fascinating period.
This lesson focuses on how character development in novels evolved during the 18th century, using key texts to illustrate the changes.
Students will read excerpts from Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe and Samuel Richardson’s Pamela. The aim is to compare how characters are portrayed and how their internal conflicts reflect societal norms.
Students first read select passages from both novels, focusing on the protagonists—Crusoe and Pamela. After reading, students will engage in a guided discussion about what each character reveals about the human experience and societal expectations of their time.
Through a Venn diagram, students will visually compare the characters, noting similarities and differences in their development, motivations, and conflicts. This activity will culminate in a short reflective essay where students explain how character development in these novels reflects the evolution of the form.
This lesson introduces students to the epistolary form, which became popular in the 18th century, and how it shaped reader engagement and storytelling.
Students will read selected letters from Pamela and The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe. The lesson will explore how the epistolary form allows readers insight into characters’ thoughts and emotions through their correspondence.
Begin by discussing the significance of letters in the context of 18th-century communication. Afterward, groups will analyze the emotional tone and perspective of the letters, focusing on how each author uses this technique to engage the reader.
Students will then create their own epistolary exchange between two characters from different novels, encouraging them to explore voice and perspective while embodying the characters’ emotions and conflicts.
This lesson examines how 18th-century novels addressed social issues, such as class, gender, and morality, which were crucial in the evolution of the novel as a form of social commentary.
Students will read excerpts from Moll Flanders by Defoe and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. The lesson will begin with a discussion on how the novels reflect societal concerns of their respective times.
After reading, students will work in pairs to identify themes related to social issues present in both texts. They will create a presentation that explores the way these themes are developed through plot, setting, and character choices. This will encourage critical thinking and allow students to make connections between literature and historical context.
These engaging lesson examples not only illuminate the evolution of the novel in the 18th century but also encourage students to think critically about literature and its connections to society.